April 7, 2008

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Head Coach Bill Self

How do you describe this one?

"I can't. I don't know if we played poorly or they played very well, but our offense was stale and we got down nine. We got a big break when the three went to two, and nobody knew it at the time. We made so many plays down the stretch and got the ball into our most clutch player's hands, and he delivered. "

What were you thinking when you were talking to your team before the game?

"I was just trying to script it because I knew it was going to be on tv. These guys have been fabulous all year long, and Memphis is terrific."

How about Rodrick Stewart and what it meant to him to be on the bench tonight cheering on his teammates?

"He's been great since he's been here. He was dealt a pretty bad hand once he got here, but his attitude was positive. If anything, I think because of his attitude it allowed our guys to rally around that"

On the heart of Memphis...

"They're good and Cal's a terrific coach. They played great, and they were very good defensively. They bothered us all night with their length. That's as good a team, and if we played 10 times it'd probably go five and five. We got fortunate late, but I'm really proud of our guys."

On who he wants to thank...

"If I could say...our fans are terrific. They've been so loyal, and I'd really really like to thank all the past players and all the past coaches which has put this program where it is and certainly made my job a lot better"

Mario Chalmers, Junior, Guard

On the shot to send to overtime...

"I got a good look. They gave me a good pass. When it left my hand it felt good and I was just glad it went in."

Brandon Rush, Junior, Guard

On the feeling of winning a title and of the matchup with Chris Douglas-Roberts...

"It feels good. It was tough defense against CDR and he might have gotten the best of me but we still go the win."

Sherron Collins, Sophomore, Guard

On coming back

"I just wanted to come out and do what we needed to do. I did what Coach told me to do. We have great fans, a great team and a great coaching staff."

Russell Robinson, Senior, Guard

On the win..

"It is a great win. Memphis came out and played a great game. We just wanted it more."

On the 3-point field goal..

"Mario did a great job. He always steps up when we call on him."

On coming back...

"Coach Self did a great job in the huddle. He kept telling us to believe and to keep playing hard. We were able to make plays when we had to."